A well-known coin dealer is paying from $1,200 to $1,600 each for 1990 proof sets containing Lincoln cents missing the "S" mint mark-up from the $500 per set price he offered when the rarities were discovered in July. "I`ve handled just 10 sets and I don`t think there are many of them out there," Philadelphia dealer Harry J. Forman said on Sept. 13. "The (production) estimate probably is too high." For several weeks, Forman has been running...

Lincoln-Way East kicker Tom Lynch tried not to think too much as he prepared for the game-winning field goal against Lincoln-Way Central on Friday night in New Lenox. "I just treated it as if it was a regular field goal," Lynch said of his 27-yarder with 56.1 seconds left, which gave the visiting Griffins a 17-15 SouthWest Suburban crossover victory. "It was a textbook field goal from the snap to the hold, and the offensive line gave me a clear look. It was a total team effort."

Today's column answers more questions about coins and paper money. Q-While working as a bank cashier, I found an unusual $10 bill with upside down serial numbers and an off-center design. Is the bill authentic? If so, what happened and how much might it be worth to a collector? M.N., Chicago A-Uncle Sam adds serial numbers and seals to the front side of "greenbacks" in a separate printing operation. Your $10 bill apparently entered the press at a...

In a battle of two SICA West heavyweights, Stagg came out swinging Thursday night and landed several blows in the first quarter that almost knocked Lincoln-Way Central down for the count. The Knights made a valiant comeback but were unable to overcome a double-digit deficit as Stagg's Chargers seized a 47-40 victory in New Lenox. "We got off to a phenomenal start," Stagg coach Brian Ade said. "We've been starting out well in the first quarter all year and we were able to take it to them and...

Today's column answers more questions about coins and paper money. Q-What does "bag mark" mean, as in an advertisement notation, "1879-CC silver dollar with bag marks"? And while you`re at it, what's a "chop mark" ? C.B., Palatine A-"Bag marks" are small nicks and smudges on an uncirculated silver dollar (or other coin type) caused when one dollar hits another, either during the minting process or in the bags used to ship coins to banks. Such imperfections are more...

The toll authority's idea to ban the use of Lincoln cents as a payment method is a good idea ("Toll Authority looks into ban on pennies," Metro, April 9). For one thing, they are the most far-reaching and surreptitious of coins. No matter where I have lived or worked, I find them everywhere. They're on floors, on desks, in drawers, sliding around boxes, jamming machinery. I think the dull brown color of all but the newest lets them blend into the background and escape unnoticed.

Uncle Sam has produced in error hundreds of 1990 proof sets that could be worth at least $500 each because they contain Lincoln cents missing an "S" mint mark below the date. All five coin types in 1990 proof sets-cent thru half dollar-are supposed to carry the "S" to show that they were made in San Francisco. But the U. S. Mint has announced that it inadvertently sent to collectors 3,555 sets with S- less pennies. "It's a fluke. These kinds of things aren`t...

If Illinois coach Ron Turner had his way, Hinsdale Central's Brad Bower would be in Madison, Wis., on Saturday as part of the Illini's quarterback rotation. The 6-foot-2-inch, 210-pounder certainly looked ready for the next level Friday night in New Lenox in leading the No. 4 Red Devils to a resounding 49-20 victory over Lincoln-Way Central in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. Hinsdale Central (11-0) will face either No. 14 Lincoln-Way East or Thornton next week at Hinsdale in the...

Uncle Sam believes the demand for "hard money" will jump next year despite the increasing use of "debit cards" and other types of electronic currency. U.S. Mint officials want to produce about 15 billion coins in fiscal 1994, up 20 percent from the 12.5 billion slated to be made this year. As in the past, Lincoln cents will account for nearly three out of every four new coins in 1994. Coinage demand is affected by the overall population level, economic activity, inflation rate and...

Uncle Sam believes the demand for "hard money" will jump next year despite the increasing use of "debit cards" and other types of electronic currency. U.S. Mint officials want to produce about 15 billion coins in fiscal 1994, up 20 percent from the 12.5 billion slated to be made this year. As in the past, Lincoln cents will account for nearly three out of every four new coins in 1994. Coinage demand is affected by the overall population level, economic activity, inflation rate and...

This week's column answers questions about a popular collectible: the Lincoln-head cent. Q--How much money would I get for the old pennies in my piggy bank? All have dates in the 1950s and are worn from use. Also, why are such coins called "wheat cents"? J.K., Wilmette A--Most dealers would pay less than two cents each. Specimens with "S" mint marks below the years bring slightly higher prices. However, be sure to check each coin before you sell. An error strike--the 1955...

Today's column answers questions from Chicago Tribune readers. Q-I have what has to be the mother of all misprinted $10 bills. The lower right-hand corner of the front side is blank. The lower left-side corner of the back side is extended beyond the margin and includes the missing part of the front-side design. The bill is fresh from the printers. Do you think I`ve got something here? D.D., Janesville, Wis. A-Uncirculated specimens of bills with such "butterfly...

This week's column answers more questions about coins and currency. Q--A few weeks ago I received a copy of the Coin Wholesaler, a 32-page newspaper published by the Chattanooga Coin Co. It includes articles indicating that the government will recall Susan B. Anthony dollars (made between 1979 and 1981) and suggesting that the coins would make excellent investments. Do you agree? P.E., Urbana A--No on both counts. Treasury officials insist that they have no plans to melt...

Here are answers to more questions from Chicago Tribune readers. Q-What's a "billon coin"? Is it worth a billion? P.R., Schaumburg A-"Billon" is a mixture of cheap metal, such as copper, with a smaller amount of silver. That coinage alloy was popular in the ancient world but rarely is used today. Q-With all the talk of an Elvis Presley stamp, I am wondering if the Great One will appear on a U.S. coin any time soon. M.T., Evanston A-The chances are...

The toll authority's idea to ban the use of Lincoln cents as a payment method is a good idea ("Toll Authority looks into ban on pennies," Metro, April 9). For one thing, they are the most far-reaching and surreptitious of coins. No matter where I have lived or worked, I find them everywhere. They're on floors, on desks, in drawers, sliding around boxes, jamming machinery. I think the dull brown color of all but the newest lets them blend into the background and escape unnoticed.

Today's column answers more questions about coins and paper money. Q-What does "bag mark" mean, as in an advertisement notation, "1879-CC silver dollar with bag marks"? And while you`re at it, what's a "chop mark" ? C.B., Palatine A-"Bag marks" are small nicks and smudges on an uncirculated silver dollar (or other coin type) caused when one dollar hits another, either during the minting process or in the bags used to ship coins to banks. Such imperfections are more...

Here are answers to more questions from Chicago Tribune readers. Q-I visited a Chicago coin store last week, trying to sell my 1888 silver dollar. The dealer offered me just $4 and acted as if I were giving him a piece of dirt. Was he trying to gyp me? I`m not happy with the way I was treated. A. H., Chicago. A-There's no excuse for rude behavior. Dozens of courteous, honest coin dealers live in the Chicago area, and they all want customers. You should take your business...

Federal workers churned out 16.6 billion coins last year-nearly 7 percent less than in 1989-as the recession probably slowed demand for hard money. Last year's total equates to about $3.10 worth of change-or 66 new coins- for each U.S. citizen. Nearly three out of every four freshly minted coins were one-cent pieces, a denomination that some persons believe should be abolished because of its limited usefulness. Coinage demand is affected by the overall...

Uncle Sam churned out 17.7 billion coins during 1989-about $3.25 worth of new "hard money" for each U.S. citizen. Last year's production total jumped 11 percent over 1988's and ranked as the fourth highest on record. Officials believe that coin demand is affected by the overall population level and inflation rate, among other things. About three out of every four fresh coins were one-cent pieces, a denomination that some experts believe should be eliminated to...

Today's column answers more questions about coins and paper money. Q-While working as a bank cashier, I found an unusual $10 bill with upside down serial numbers and an off-center design. Is the bill authentic? If so, what happened and how much might it be worth to a collector? M.N., Chicago A-Uncle Sam adds serial numbers and seals to the front side of "greenbacks" in a separate printing operation. Your $10 bill apparently entered the press at a...